The former astronaut, who was the second man on the moon in 1969, last night introduced the deodorant brand's campaign to send normal people into space.

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"Space travel for everyone is the next frontier in the human experience," said Aldrin.

"I'm thrilled that Lynx is giving the young people of today such an extraordinary opportunity to experience some of what I've encountered in space."

Lynx brand manager Mark Aschmann added: "The Lynx Apollo launch is the biggest and most ambitious in the Lynx brand's history.

"For the first time, we're simultaneously launching one global competition in over 75 countries offering millions of people the opportunity to win the most epic prize on earth. A trip to space - yes, actual space."

Lynx has created the Lynx SXC (Space Expedition Corporation) space shuttle which will transport its competition winners into space.

Models in astronaut outfits posed at various places in London to mark the launch.

The shuttle, which weighs 1.5 tonnes and is the width of three double decker buses, will go on display in the UK at Westfield White City on January 12 and 13.

Britons can enter the Lynx Space Agency at the Lynx Apollo website by creating a profile to explain why they deserve to go into space.

UK candidates with the most votes join the Lynx Space Academy challenge weekend in summer 2013 and have to complete a number of NASA-style physical and mental challenges.

Of these candidates, the four strongest are flown to the Lynx Global Space Camp in Orlando, Florida for a final series of challenges.

One winner will get a trip into space in 2014 "leaving Earth a man, returning a hero", as one of the 22 global survivors.